Peyton On Eli's 'Dirty Dancing' Ad: A Lot Of People Wouldn't Have The Guts

In the two years since Peyton Manning played in the NFL, the five-time NFL MVP has been active in philanthropy and an omnipresent face in entertainment. The NFL's all-time leader in passing yards (71,940) and passing touchdowns (539) has hosted the ESPYs, appeared on "Modern Family" and acted in countless commercials, including for Papa John's and Nationwide.

"I think it might be an insult to the word 'acting,'" Manning said. "It kind of keeps a connection with the fans. I've enjoyed that."

But it was his brother Eli who stole the show with his Super Bowl LII commercial. The Giants quarterback spoofed "Dirty Dancing" during a touchdown celebration. In the ad, which was voted one of the game’s most popular commercials, he lifted Odell Beckham Jr. in the air like Patrick Swayze did with Jennifer Grey.

"I loved it. He went for it, man," he said. "Eli's always been fearless … A lot of people wouldn't have the guts to do that."

Peyton also joked about Eli's preparation.

"He said he studied a lot of film of 'Dirty Dancing'," Peyton said. "It's a different kind of film to watch. It's not game film."

But was Eli's ad as good as Peyton's for Universal Studios, which also appeared during Super Bowl LII?

"I thought it was," he said. "It was great."

Manning, who spoke to ThePostGame in Kansas City while receiving the Lamar Hunt Award at the 101 Awards for his impact upon pro football, called himself a "fan" and an "ambassador" of the game and said he remains busy.

In addition to remaining connected to viewers through their television sets, Peyton remains connected to the NFL.

"Shockingly, football is still part of my life," he joked.

He attended all of the Broncos' home games, three of Eli’s Giants games and three of his alma mater Tennessee’s games in 2017.

Another of his former teams, the Colts, were snubbed by Josh McDaniels in their coaching search. So they turned to Super Bowl LII-winning, Eagles offensive coordinator, Frank Reich, who was Peyton's quarterback coach from 2009-10 with Indianapolis.

"I'm happy for Frank," Peyton said. "I've always stayed in touch with him, and I'll be pulling hard for him."